It is safe to say that ‘digital enterprise’ has become a buzzword. At Triggre, we have noticed that increasingly more organizations are wondering how to digitalize their business models. Their key question: where should I start?

Digitization versus digitalization

First, let’s make an important distinction. A lot of things that business do may be digitized, but are not digitalized. Whereas digitization mostly refers to scanning paperwork and emailing it to others as Excels or PDFs, digitalization encompasses the process involving data that can be read out using a system. The latter is the more interesting of the two. So, what steps would you need to take to get there? The three steps listed below will get you off to a good start!

1. Data and ERP: let them communicate

Many companies have an ERP system in place. The main goal is to ensure some form of interaction with it. For example, if you have a website where customers can place an order, or if you own a machine-filled factory, you need to establish a link to your ERP system. To this end, you should ask yourself how you can best organize it and make it scalable. The point is that you need to do something with the data provided to you – be it by customers, suppliers, or machines.

2. Processes? Make them leaner!

If you need to deploy less tools, you will require less people and be more scalable. However, you will probably not want to start major replacement processes, as you have a lot on your plate and merely twenty-four hours a day. Therefore, it is crucial to improve by taking up one initiative at a time. Once you have successfully completed it, you can move on to the next one.

By working on processes in such short intervals, those involved will be able to witness how digitalization can help your company move forward. Consequently, you will grow efficiently, and everyone will be on board every step of the way.

3. It all starts with you (that is, your company)

If digitalization is your goal, you should come up with an internal process to deal with it. Your company needs a structure and company culture that support the quick development, testing, and going live of digital initiatives. Lean agility and speed are indispensable in this regard.

Lastly, keep in mind that you don’t have to be running a corporate to establish these things. Medium-sized business are increasingly preoccupied with digitalization. Today, it is relevant to everyone!